Lena Waithe created the drama. She executive produces with Common, Elwood Reid, Aaron Kaplan and Rick Famuyiwa. Today's renewal announcement also comes with Ayanna Floyd Davis (Empire) joining the second season as executive producer and showrunner. Fox 21 Television Studios and Kapital Entertainment produce.

"From viewers and critics alike, the response to The Chi has been so enthusiastic from the very start that our decision to renew the series was an easy one," said Gary Levine, President of Programming, Showtime Networks. "We love the vibrant characters and the nuanced world that Lena has created. Her vision for The Chi has clearly struck a chord, and we know she has many more moving, personal and resonant stories to tell about her beloved hometown."